Feedback on Rejected Sample...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k09wpca6mjxfuvq/mmoaudition_2.wav?dl=0
Hello there, all! I have had an issue lately where my samples were rejected (which has never happened before) for getting to the original client. They had mentioned there being a notable "hiss", and I'm thinking it might have more to do with how I spoke the lines than the equipment. Still, it's curious...
I have an AT2020 and have used it for the entire time I've been doing voice bunny. My set-up has been the same, the parameters that I use while using Fruity Loops 10 (which is what I use instead of Audacity) also hasn't changed on other projects that I have submitted and been accepted in the past. Wondering if anyone else can help me out here too! Is there a reason that they've been becoming more particular about things?
I did have my phone near the microphone this time in order to read the lines (because my other tablet was dead), so perhaps that could have been the main source? Any input is appreciated!! I don't really have a lot of extra funds to put towards upgrading equipment/adding a compressor or anything. Just wondering if people had tips for how to recover from this/how I can improve.
Thanks everyone!!
~~Meredith (Faux)
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Hi Meredith,
Thanks for sharing your sample. I've had a listen and there is a bit of hiss, it can be heard at the end of each word, but it's not too bad. I assume it's the USB version of the AT2020? If it is, that could be causing the problem. Although the mic itself is pretty good, when it is USB it adds a bit more noise and hiss.
One way of lowering hiss is by using less gain on the mic. You can raise volume later in editing. Another way of fixing it is through editing, so it can't be heard at the end of words but this requires attention to detail to avoid chopping words off or making them sound unnatural.
Lastly, the more expensive option is getting an audio interface and a non-usb mic.
Hope that helps!
-Seb
Hey there, Seb!! Thanks so much for the feedback! I was just making sure hay I wasn't missing something on my end and it was as horrible as the rejection made it seem. I attempted to edit out most of the areas before submitting it but I definitely had the gain up higher than I usually do. I'll keep an eye out for it in the future and hopefully won't have to deal with another rejection. Thanks!!
Hi Meredith!
What do you say if you record a take, do these edits and share it with us? We can give you some feedback there to avoid any issues when you get a new project. What do you think?
Let me know!
Thank you, Angela! Sorry this took so long to get back to you! I was on vacation. I will try and have something up by Thursday for you to critique if you would be so kind!! I appreciate any and all help in this endeavor.
Take your time, Meredith!
Here to help when you need :) I'm really happy to be able to use my ears to help you!
Okay! Managed to pop out something this evening for a potential Speedy and decided to use it as a good sample of what I as going for with the first one. This one isn't nearly as edited as the first as it is fairly short, but I eased up on the gain and made it a bit louder.
Normally I save things as a 32bit wave file and then have to export it into Edison through my Fruity-Loops 10 program to get it to "Voice Bunny Standard"--So what you're hearing is what I submitted to voice bunny, not necessarily the original file quality. I have certain "presets" that I use specifically when dealing with VB files that I record, but if they need to change or be edited a bit, I'm happy to do so. I'm also happy to explain some of the presets if that would help the situation too.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/adlduq7rlgcll36/worldfest2.wav?dl=0
Please let me know if there's anything I need to change or what I can do with how I save the file or record it! I appreciate any and all feedback--I'm still fairly new to the "professional" industry as most of what I do has been fan-based/personal love of the craft of Vocal Acting~
An update about the sample--It was also rejected because of the "hiss" even though I am unable to hear anything if the sort. Again i never had this issue before and have done multiple projects using the same settings as this, so I'm uncertain what has changed but it's hurting my score and I don't want to lose my status here on the site. Thanks for the help!
Hi Meredith
Thanks for sharing.
The hiss is really high :( It sounds as if it was being generated by your equipment. If you're using the AT2020 USB version, this is more likely the cause. I would highly recommend you to change it for a interface + mic combo. I know this could be a bit costly, but the thing is that USB microphones are not ideal for professional voice over applications.
This is because USB microphones usually have lower quality preamplifiers and AD/DA converters which can increase the noise floor a lot. These mics are more recommended for podcasts or fan projects, but for professional applications you may need a higher standard.
I'm sorry for this inconvenience. I am using the headphones Audiotechnica ATH-M50x and the noise is very clear on them.
Angela,
Thank you so much for the feedback! I wasn't aware that it was that apparent and I apologize. I appreciate the feedback and I'll definitely look into it for a more professional setting. What confuses me though is that I have done the same work with the same mic and set up for multiple projects that have been accepted, so aim curious as to what has suddenly changed? If you were to recommend something for me to use as an interface, are there any favorites you prefer? I've been looking a bit on sweet water and found some reasonable ones, but I would love a professional opinion!
Hey there, Angela! As an example of what I'm talking about, here's a sample I did for a little commercial add about a month ago. I have changed nearly nothing since I did this one and it passed just fine, as have other samples. I'm wondering have they upped their "allowance" with submissions lately?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ipatqlicg861091/metrogeek.wav?dl=0
Thanks for your input!
HI Meredith!
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you here!
So, I was checking this file and it does have a lot of hiss as well. We're slowly strengthening our QC standards so what could've been accepted before, could be rejected now.
In regards to interface, I wrote an article recommending some of them! I also did the same with microphones so you may want to take a look at the articles here:
https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/218024227-Tip-2-Choose-a-microphone-that-fits-with-your-voice-tone-
https://help.bunnyinc.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/203362904-Tip-4-Choose-a-good-interface-for-your-needs-
I personally own an AudioTechnica 2050 which I pair with the interface MOTU Track 16. They're more on the high end as they're pricey, so I would say you can try some cheaper options from the articles above.
Hope this helped!!
Thank you so much for your Feedback! I was actually looking into getting her Scarlett but I have never worked with an interface before and I'm uncertain how it would work with my recording system, so I'll definitely have to do a bit of research. I appreciate all of your knowledge and feedback! I probably won't work on VB stuff for a while until I can get my system working at a more professional level since I don't want my rating to go down further than it already has. In the mean time Kll see what I can work up and perhaps it will be a new years resolution down the road. Thank you again and have a happy holiday!
Hi Meredith!
I'm glad I was able to help. If you need more help, please do know we're here! All year round we'll be available to help you <3
Have the best holiday and thank you for your work this year. Let's all hope 2018 comes with some awesome things for all of us :)